Community Calendar

The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.

George Geer Memorial Car Show

The George Geer Memorial Car Show, hosted by Southwest Chapter 2 Blue Star Moms, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11 in Centennial Park. Pre-registration for participants is $25 at Angel’s Endzone on Friday night, Aug. 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m., or on Saturday morning, Aug. 11, registration is $35 at 8 a.m. The show will be open to the public at 10 a.m., with awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. In conjunction with the car show, there will also be a burn-off contest at Angel’s Endzone. George liked to hear the power of an engine, smell rubber and see smoke. The entry fee for participants is $25 and trophies will be awarded. Also, that night there will be an exhibition of radio controlled vehicles. For more information about the events, contact Sandi at 560-2572.

Dolores’ Escalante Days festivities

Join us in Dolores Aug. 10-12 for Escalante Days. Events on Saturday, Aug. 11, begin at 6 a.m. and go to 8 p.m., and include the pancake breakfast, parade, family games, mountain bike race, chainsaw and arm-wrestling, free Galloping Goose train rides, Duck Race, Vendors, and live music featuring Rockslide and more. There will be vintage motorcycle trials Saturday and Sunday, and a historic railroad logging tour on Sunday, as well as the annual softball tournament in Flanders and Joe Rowell Parks. Vendors are needed. For more information, call 882-4018.

K9 Search and Rescue hosts Pancake Breakfast fundraiser

The K9 Search and Rescue Team will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast during Escalante Days on Saturday, Aug. 11. The breakfast is the annual fundraiser for the Team and will feature pancakes, sausage, coffee or tea, and juice. Tickets are $5 per person. The breakfast will begin at 6 a.m. and ends at the start of the parade, and will be held at the “Dog House,” 35 Railroad Avenue (directly west of Dolores Fire Station # 1), with handicap parking at that address and regular parking off Central Avenue directly north of the building. The K9 Search and Rescue Team Inc. is a nonprofit, 100 percent volunteer organization with no tax base that depends solely on donations, grants, and fundraisers such as the Pancake Breakfast for support.For more information, visit www.k9team.org.

August theme for Cortez Public Library’s Storytime

“Wrapping Up Our Dreams” is the August theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Storytime is held every Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join in for the craft at 11:15 a.m. on Thursdays. Please note that the library has discontinued Friday Storytime. The Saturday Storytime is held, weather permitting, at the Cortez Farmers Market on the corner of Elm and Main Streets. All days of any particular week will follow the same theme except on Saturdays there will be no craft.

“Let’s Glow” will be discussed on Saturday, Aug. 11. “Camping” will be presented on Thursday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 18. The topic will be “Space Explorers” on Thursday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 25. “Monsters Under the Bed, Really?” will wrap up the month on Thursday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Sept. 1. Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program. There’s still time to pick up a reading log for our Summer Reading Program, “Dream Big, Read!” Join to have a chance at a big prize drawing at the end August. For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

Rec Center will offer free classes at Zumba Week

The Cortez Recreation Center is excited to introduce a new venture. Join the party at the free Zumba Week, Monday, Aug. 13 through Saturday, Aug. 18. The Rec Center will offer a Zumba party every day, with the first on Monday at noon, Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Thursday time TBA (popular demand day), Friday at 8 a.m., and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. These classes are open for all ages and abilities. For more information, call Rayna at 560-3916 or the Rec Center at 564-4080.

SKY Vacation Bible School

Trinity Lutheran Church is holding SKY Vacation Bible School from Monday, Aug. 13 through Friday, Aug. 17 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 8 years of age (3 year-olds must be potty trained). Trinity Lutheran Church is at 208 N. Dolores Rd., Cortez. During their week at SKY VBS, your child will learn that with God, anything is possible. We will hold registration at Trinity on Friday, Aug. 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; you can also register the morning of Monday, Aug. 13 from 8:30 to 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jacqueline at 560-3337.

Harvest Dinner will raise funds for The Children’s Kiva

Sutcliffe Vineyards and The Farm Bistro will present a delicious and festive Harvest Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the The Children’s Kiva Montessori School. Come join us for a special meal, featuring four courses of local, freshly harvested, and beautifully prepared foods. Each course will be paired with fine wines from Sutcliffe Vineyards. The event will be held at The Farm Bistro (34 West Main St., Cortez), recently recognized in Edible Magazine as the Four Corner’s Best Farm to Table Restaurant! Sutcliffe winemaker Joe Buckel will be on hand for the event to share his expertise in the making and the nuances of these fine wines. The Children’s Kiva is a non-profit community preschool and kindergarten serving families in Cortez for 25 years. Space is limited — please book your reservation at The Farm Bistro by calling 565-3834 by Monday, Aug. 13. The cost is $75 per person. For more information about the event, contact The Farm. To learn more about The Children’s Kiva, visit www.childrenskiva.org.

Navajo Code Talker will speak at celebration

Sam Sandoval, a World War II Veteran and Navajo Code Talker, celebrates National Code Talker Day at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Learn about the crucial role Native Americans played in the war through “the unbreakable code.” For more information, call 565-1151.

Proposed STEAM Academy holds informational meetings

Mesa Verde STEAM Academy, a proposed K-3 charter school, will offer a comprehensive curriculum enhanced by integrated science and arts. As a charter school, the academy is publicly funded and will not charge tuition. The goal is to nurture inquiry, discovery, problem solving, creativity, and academic excellence. The public may attend a presentation and discussion Thursday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Towaoc Library, 450 Sunset Blvd. For more information, contact Kay Phelps, EdD at 759-3270.

Final class of ‘Marketing for Smarties’ business series

The third class of the Marketing for Smarties Series will take place at the Welcome Center in Cortez, 928 E. Main St., on Wednesday, Aug. 15. Classes are from 1 to 5 p.m. This third installment of the 3-part series breaks marketing down into a step-by-step process, and helps to resolve a lot of the problems many small businesses encounter when trying to effectively promote their products and services. Recommended for new and existing businesses. The cost is $149, and scholarships for attending are available. Contact Lynn Asano at 247-7009 or asano_l@fortlewis.edu to register or for more information. You may also register online at www.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=170320037.

California Guitar Trio plays in Mancos

The California Guitar Trio will play at the Millwood Junction restaurant in Mancos from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15. Tickets are $15, and seating is limited. Tickets are available at Rocky Mountain One Stop in Cortez, Southwest Sound in Durango, and at Millwood Junction. For more information, call 533-7338.

Award-winning film, ‘Fambul Tok’ screens in Mancos

The Mancos Public Library will host a screening of the award-winning film “Fambul Tok” (Family Talk) on Thursday, Aug. 16 in the meeting room at the library, 211 W. First St. at 7 p.m. Victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war come together for the first time in an unprecedented program of tradition-based truth-telling and forgiveness ceremonies. Through reviving their ancient practice of family talk, Sierra Leoneans are building sustainable peace at the grass-roots level — succeeding where the international community’s post-conflict efforts failed. Filled with lessons for the West, this film explores the depths of a culture that believes that true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals — and that forgiveness is the surest path to restoring dignity and building strong communities. This program is free and open to the public. For more information call the library at 533-7600.

Driver safety course for older drivers offered by AARP

AARP will sponsor a driver safety course on Thursday, Aug. 16 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Calvin Denton Room in the Empire Electric Building, 801 N. Broadway, Cortez. This 4-hour course is authorized by the state of Colorado. It is designed to meet the needs of older drivers. The course will review safe driving techniques as well as Colorado traffic laws. Completion of this course can qualify you for a discount on your automobile insurance. The course is available to all motorists whether or not they are members of AARP. A $12 fee for AARP members and a $14 fee for nonmembers is to be paid by check, (no cash or credit card) which will cover materials. Please bring your driver’s license and your AARP membership number (if you have one). The class size is limited. To register, contact Scott and Judy Aeschlimann at 565-3872; leave your name and phone number on the answering machine if we’re not available. We’ll return your call.

Catholic Vacation Bible School

Back by popular demand, Catholic Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at Montezuma and Elm in Cortez will run from Thursday, Aug. 16 through the Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Children from Kindergarten through 5th grades are welcome and it’s free. Come spend three fun filled days of water fights and fellowship! Parents are welcome and encouraged to hang out. For more information, call Lynda Brenner at 799-4003.

Democrats hold Potluck Fundraiser

The Montezuma County Democrats will hold a Potluck Fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliffrose Nursery. There will be an update during the event to let everyone know what is going on and how they can help. A $10 per person donation is requested. For the potluck, please bring light dishes or finger food for 6 to 8 people. Put together your favorite crowd pleaser and join in the fun. Bring a friend so they can see that Montezuma County Democrats are alive and well. We always welcome new contacts. For more information, contact Larry Condon at montezumacountydems@yahoo.com or call 529-0082.

Spaghetti Supper and Talent Show

The Dolores United Methodist Church will hold a Spaghetti Supper and Talent Show, Friday, Aug. 17 beginning at 6 p.m. to raise funds to support a mission outreach to the Dolores Elementary School’s Wednesday afternoon program. Come enjoy great food followed by a fun evening of song, dance and comedy. Great for the entire family. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child under 10, and a maximum of $25 for a family of three or more. Purchasing tickets early is recommended: call the church at 882-7780. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.

Bike Maintenance Clinic at Mancos Library

The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., and Kokopelli’s Bike and Board, in honor of the U.S. Pro Cycling Tour, will sponsor a Bike Maintenance Clinic on Friday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. Pete Eschallier from Kokopelli’s will demonstrate how to do maintenance and preventative care, as well as trail-side repairs for both mountain bikes and road bikes. How to be a safe rider will also be covered. Maintenance topics will include how to clean a bike, lube the chain, change a flat tire, etc. All ages are welcome. Pete will bring a bike or two to demonstrate on. Free! For more information, contact MPL at 533-7600.

Back-to-School Potluck for Native American students, parents

Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1 welcomes all Native American students and parents to the 1st Annual Back-to-School Potluck & Picnic on Friday, Aug. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Parque de Vida gazebo near the corner of Mildred and Empire streets (across from the Justice Center). Hamburgers, condiments, chips, and bottled water will be provided. You may bring a side dish or dessert, and a chair. Our main goal is to have Native American students and parents come and meet Alex Carter, the new superintendant, and the new principals from Manaugh School, Kemper School, and Mesa School. Dan Porter, Lewis-Arriola School principal and Indian Education Director for the Re-1 schools will also be available to meet you. You are encouraged to come and spend a wonderful evening meeting your local school administrators and participate in finding out how you can be a member of the Native American parent committee. For more information, call Viola at 739-3129.

Livestock Assoc., Cowbelles host Summer Social

The Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association and Southwestern Cowbelles will host a Summer Social at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center. Enjoy hamburgers grilled by the SWCLA directors and picnic side dishes prepared by the Cowbelles. Then dance to the music of Vanishing Breed at 8 p.m. Tickets for the meal and dance are $10 each; youth 17 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by parents. Everyone is welcome! Tickets are available from SWCLA directors, Southwestern Cowbelles officers, and at the door. Call Jason Blackmer at 739-5577, Bev Tozer at 759-1332, or Lynelle Brumley at 565-1972 for tickets and information.

Celebration features Catholic inspirational comedian

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church will host nationally-known Catholic inspirational comedic character-actor, Doug Brummel, in his one-man character-changing show “Lighten Up” with a highly unique start time of 6:47 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 20 and 21, at the church at Montezuma Ave. and Market St. in Cortez. This one-man show features Brummel and his cast of characters. Reminiscent of classic comedians such as Red Skelton and Carol Burnett, Doug transforms himself into a variety of characters that aim to help all generations connect their faith into everyday life! Admission is free and all are welcome. A free-will offering will be available. For more information call 565-7308 and check out www.dougbrummel.com.

Children’s Kiva Open House, registration week

Join The Children’s Kiva Montessori School for our Fall Open House on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 1204 E. Empire St. in Cortez. There will be refreshments and door prizes! Registration week for the 2012-13 preschool and kindergarten school year is Monday through Saturday, Aug. 20-25. Tuition assistance is available. Check us out at www.childrenskiva.org or call 565-8586 for more information.

The recently released book, “The Food and Feasts of Jesus” will be the topic of a lecture, food tasting, and book signing at St. Barnabas Church on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. This is an event for persons who are interested in food, history, or the Bible. All proceeds will go to Grace’s Kitchen. The Rev. Doug Neel, an avowed foodie, a former caterer, the Episcopal priest in Pagosa Springs, and one of the book’s authors, will be the presenter. A $15 ticket will buy the holder, in addition to the lecture, a sampling of 12 different recipes from the book. For an additional $5, wine will be available. Tickets may be purchased at 110 W. North St. or from members of St. Barnabas. The Food and Feasts of Jesus uses meals as a lens into first century Palestine, and offers accessible recipes for readers to make their own tastes of the first century. Come meet the author and enjoy a Middle Eastern smorgasbord as you help feed the hungry at Grace’s Kitchen. Call 565-7865 for information.

Award-winning documentary ‘For the Bible Tells Me So’

The documentary “For The Bible Tells Me So” will be shown at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 110 W. North St., on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. This award-winning film addresses questions such as: Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity real? As it reconciles homosexuality with Biblical scripture, the film reveals that religious anti-gay bias is based almost solely on a misinterpretation of the Bible.

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families — including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson — we discover how people of faith handle, or sometimes tragically fail to handle, having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, this film offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity and to those who support them. For more information, call 565-7865.

Harvest Crusade at Montelores Baptist Church

On August 26, Montelores Baptist Church will join more than 550 churches and public venues across the U.S. at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 to host Harvest America. For 22 years, southern California pastor Greg Laurie has held annual stadium outreach events designed to share Christ’s message of hope through an evening of live music and a message. This year, host sites across the U.S., including Montelores Baptist Church, will participate by broadcasting the annual Anaheim stadium event live at the church, 18735 Rd. 23.5, off Hwy. 184 (across from Narraguinnep Reservoir) in Lewis. Everyone is invited to join us for this unique event. The Crusade will begin with music by Mercy Me followed by a message of hope from Greg Laurie. Contact Pastor Paul Gleason at 882-2418 for more information, or if your church is interested in participating with us.

Sheriff’s Office holds Citizens’ Training Academy

The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office will offer the Citizens’ Training Academy program on Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12 and ending Wednesday, Nov. 14. The deadline to apply to the program is Monday, Aug. 27. The Academy provides a unique opportunity for citizens to learn about the duties and services provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Students will receive instruction in all functions of the three divisions within the Sheriff’s Office: Patrol, Detentions and Investigations, as well as auxiliary services which support the Sheriff’s Office. The curriculum includes introduction to evidence gathering, crime scene management, case preparation and prosecution.

There is a $10 fee to offset costs. The curriculum does not fulfill State of Colorado certification requirements for peace officers. Applications may be downloaded from www.montezumasheriff.org. You may apply electronically or mail your application to: Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, 730 East Driscoll St., Cortez, CO 81321. If you are interested in this Program, contact any member of the Sheriff’s office command staff at 565-8452.

Cortez Library August computer classes

The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., will offer an Incredibly Basic Computer Skills training class at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30. If you have little or no computer skills, this is the class for you! All classes must be signed up for ahead of time, as space is limited. Sign up by calling the library at 565-8117 or by stopping by.